Research Newsroom

Research Newsroom

Kay Behrensmeyer

Mammals in the News

Coyotes . . . in my yard?

Fall 2004

Coyotes can now call every state (except Hawaii) home. Increased sightings of coyotes in Eastern cities and suburbs signals a return of large predators to the region, possibly filling a niche once held by a larger canid, the wolf.

Why are they spreading?

The suburbs and cities serve up plenty of food for these omnivores. Coyotes feed on garbage, garden produce, road kill, even domestic dogs and cats!

How have they changed?

Most Eastern coyotes are heavier and larger than those that live out west. Eastern coyotes are descended from coyotes that once lived in the Great Lakes region. Animals from northern climates are often larger because a larger body size helps them survive cold winters.

Researchers

Anna K. “Kay” Behrensmeyer

Research Paleobiologist, Taphonomist

Kay Behrensmeyer began her distinguished career with the Smithsonian in 1981. Discover Magazine named her one of “50 Most Important Women Scientists” in 2002.

As co-curator for the new Mammals Hall, Kay Behrensmeyer guided the interpretation of evolution and the relationships among mammals. Her influence can be seen in the incorporation of fossil stories and a sense of deep time in the exhibit. She was part of a team of scientists who discovered the 1.5-million-year-old hominid footprints reproduced in the Africa section of the hall.

Kay specializes in studying how organisms become fossils. She usually goes into the field once or twice a year. “I like to walk over large areas of outcrops to get the big picture. Fieldwork is not just about making new discoveries. It’s about understanding what the rocks and fossils mean, solving the puzzles about ancient Earth.”